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HOW LONG CAN CANNABIS (MARIJUANA) BE DETECTED IN YOUR BODY?

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  1. INTRODUCTION

Cannabis, or marijuana, contains a chemical called tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), which causes the feeling of being “high.” The length of time THC stays in your system can vary, sometimes lasting for several days or even weeks, depending on multiple factors. These factors include body fat levels, how often and how much marijuana is consumed, and the sensitivity of the drug test used. Click here best cannabis delivery in Whitby

  1. CANNABIS DETECTION WORKS

The detection window for cannabis can vary greatly based on how often a person uses it. Research from 2017 suggests that a single marijuana cigarette may be detectable for about 3 days. However, the frequency of use extends this time significantly:

  • First-time users: THC is detectable for about 3 days.
  • People who use cannabis 3-4 times a week: THC can be detected for 5 to 7 days.
  • Daily users: THC may remain detectable for 30 days or more.
  1. HOW MUCH MARIJUANA CAUSES A POSITIVE DRUG TEST?

Drug tests are designed to detect small amounts of THC, and the amount found in a cannabis cigarette varies. The more frequently someone uses marijuana, the more THC builds up in their system, making it detectable for longer periods. 

A study from 2017 showed that 77% of heavy cannabis users tested positive on hair tests, while 39% of light users did. No non-users in the study tested positive, suggesting that false positives in hair tests are rare.

  1. FACTORS THAT INFLUENCE THC LEVELS

Several factors determine how long THC stays in your body, including:

  • Test sensitivity: More sensitive tests can detect smaller amounts of THC.
  • THC dose: A higher dose of THC increases the likelihood of detection.
  • Body fat: THC binds to fat cells, so individuals with higher body fat may retain THC for longer.
  • Sex: Women, who generally have more body fat than men, may metabolize cannabis more slowly.
  • Hydration: Dehydration can increase THC concentrations in the body, while drinking water may dilute it.
  • Exercise: Physical activity can release stored THC from fat cells into the bloodstream, temporarily increasing its levels before a test.
  • Metabolism: People with faster metabolisms eliminate THC more quickly than those with slower metabolisms.
  1. HOW TO SPEED UP THC ELIMINATION

There is no proven way to speed up the elimination of THC from the body, but some strategies might help. Regular exercise can help break down fat cells and release stored THC for excretion. However, exercising right before a drug test may increase the chance of a positive result, as it raises THC levels in the blood.

  1. TAKEAWAY

It’s difficult to predict exactly how long cannabis will remain detectable in your body. For most people, THC will clear from the system within 30 days, but it may take as little as 10 days for those who use cannabis infrequently. Home drug tests can help people monitor their THC levels and see if they still have traces of cannabis in their system. However, time is the most important factor in ensuring a negative drug test.